Amid all the change and hype about telehealth client preferences of modalities (telehealth versus in-person) have now been studied. A new study, “Choosing Or Losing In Behavioral Health: A Study Of Patients’ Experiences Selecting Telehealth Versus In-Person Care,” sheds light on whether clients prefer telehealth only or in-person care.* The research highlights that approximately one-third of patients receiving therapy or medication visits reported that their clinicians did not offer both modalities. Some patients could benefit from hybrid models, whereby the clinician offers telehealth augmented by in-person meetings at routine intervals. A hybrid approach can help solidify therapeutic bonds, meet client and patient preferences, and offer welcomed variety for clinicians who work from home. The study found that 32% of patients reported they did not typically receive their preferred modality, and 45% believed their clinicians did not consider their preferences (ouch). Such findings underscore the need for clinicians to revisit and potentially recalibrate their approach to modality selection. It also suggests that clinicians and those working in person may need to inquire about their clients’ and patients’ preferences more often.
Professionals providing teletherapy must be attuned to client preferences regarding visit modalities is as not just a practical or logistical concern but also an ethical imperative. A further look at the research indicates that a patient-centered approach can significantly elevate telehealth service quality and satisfaction. Choosing to be a clinician means balancing client preferences and personal preferences for self-care of business reasons.
*Sousa, J., Smith, A., Richard, J., Rabinowitz, M., Raja, P., Mehrotra, A., … & Uscher-Pines, L. (2023). Choosing Or Losing In Behavioral Health: A Study Of Patients’ Experiences Selecting Telehealth Versus In-Person Care: Study examines patient experiences selecting telehealth versus in-person care for behavioral health services. Health Affairs, 42(9), 1275-1282.